Papua New Guinea has launched a national gun amnesty and buyback scheme, offering cash payments to residents who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms. The initiative, announced by Police Minister Sir John Pundari, began on 27 February and will run until late August, aiming to remove tens of thousands of weapons from communities.
The programme is part of a broader government effort to combat escalating tribal violence, particularly in the Highlands region. Citizens can hand in illegal guns without penalty in exchange for cash, with amounts varying by province. Some may also receive support to start agricultural businesses. Prime Minister James Marape warned that strict enforcement would follow the amnesty period, stating, “We will embrace you during the amnesty period, but once it ends, enforcement will be firm and uncompromising.”
Estimates suggest there are about 100,000 illegal firearms in the country, with only around 12% of small arms legally registered. A 2025 report by former defence force commander Jerry Singirok, prepared for the UN, highlighted the scale of the problem. Marape noted that many guns were paid for by outsiders and handed to young men to instil fear, destroying families and villages.
Violence in the Highlands has intensified due to land disputes, tribal rivalries, political tensions, and economic hardship. Once fought with basic weapons, conflicts now involve high-powered firearms and explosives, leading to mass casualties. The government aims to clear the region of illegal guns before national elections in 2027, which historically see a spike in violence.
Deputy opposition leader Keith Iduhu criticised the buyback, arguing it undermines crime laws, while Singirok stressed that lasting reforms in legislation and enforcement are necessary for long-term impact. Pundari emphasised the need for community engagement with tribal leaders and churches to stabilise the region, noting that the Highlands Highway corridor is critical for transport and trade.
